MotoGP's ECU row: What it means for the sport

MotoGP is no stranger to change, but the latest proposal of a spec ECU is proving particularly divisive among teams. Sam Tremayne looks at how electronics could change the landscape of grand prix racing

MotoGP has been no stranger to change in recent years, but the latest proposal of a spec ECU has proved particularly disruptive to Dorna's relationship with the factory teams. Dorna is holding nearly all the cards, however, making a compulsory system ever more likely.

For Dorna, the pursuit of electronic advantage is an arms race which drives up costs and detracts from the show. For the factories meanwhile, freedom to develop independent, sophisticated systems is essential not only for on-track success but also because of the trickle-down benefits from road to race machinery.